Link device for coupling energy storage devices having disparate chemistries

ABSTRACT

An energy storage system includes a first energy storage device having a first energy storage chemistry, a second energy storage device having a second energy storage chemistry different than the first energy storage chemistry, and a link device. The link device is configured to facilitate electrically coupling the second energy storage device to the first energy storage device, regulate a first power profile of first power provided by the first energy storage device to the second energy storage device such that the first energy storage device can selectively charge the second energy storage device, and regulate a second power profile of second power provided by the second energy storage device to the first energy storage device such that the first energy storage device can selectively draw power from the second energy storage device to increase a power capacity thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/579,718, filed Sep. 23, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/735,396, filed Sep. 24, 2018, bothof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Different energy storage solutions have varying characteristics. Somecharacteristics lend themselves to long-term energy storage while otherslend themselves to short-term energy storage. Traditionally, batterieshaving disparate battery chemistries are incompatible.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to an energy system. The energy storage systemincludes a first energy storage device having a first energy storagechemistry, a second energy storage device having a second energy storagechemistry different than the first energy storage chemistry, and a linkdevice. The link device is configured to facilitate electricallycoupling the second energy storage device to the first energy storagedevice, regulate a first power profile of first power provided by thefirst energy storage device to the second energy storage device suchthat the first energy storage device can selectively charge the secondenergy storage device, and regulate a second power profile of secondpower provided by the second energy storage device to the first energystorage device such that the first energy storage device can selectivelydraw power from the second energy storage device to increase a powercapacity thereof.

Another embodiment relates to a link device for an energy system. Thelink device includes a first interface, a second interface, a regulator,and a controller. The first interface is configured to facilitateselectively coupling the link device to a first energy storage devicehaving a first energy storage chemistry. The second interface isconfigured to facilitate selectively coupling the link device to asecond energy storage device having a second energy storage chemistrydifferent than the first energy storage chemistry. The controller isconfigured to control the regulator to regulate a power profile of powerprovided by the first energy storage device to the second energy storagedevice such that the second energy storage device can receive the powerfrom the first energy storage device to increase a power capacity of thesecond energy storage device for at least one of powering or charging aload.

Still another embodiment relates to an energy system. The energy systemincludes a first energy storage device, a second energy storage device,and a link device. The first energy storage device includes a firstbattery having a first battery chemistry and a first interface. Thesecond energy storage device includes a housing, a lid, a secondbattery, a second interface, and a third interface. The housing definesan internal cavity and a recess. The lid is pivotally coupled to thehousing and encloses the recess. The second battery is disposed withinthe internal cavity and has a second battery chemistry. The thirdinterface is configured to facilitate electrically coupling the secondenergy storage device to a load. The link device is configured to beselectively received within the recess of the second energy storagedevice. The link device includes a fourth interface, a fifth interface,a regulator positioned between the fourth interface and the fifthinterface, and a controller. The fourth interface is configured tofacilitate selectively coupling the link device to the first interfaceof the first energy storage device. The fifth interface is configured tofacilitate selectively coupling the link device to the second interfaceof the second energy storage device. The controller is configured to (i)determine a type of the first battery chemistry and the second batterychemistry and (ii) control the regulator to regulate a power profile ofpower provided by the first energy storage device to the second energystorage device based on at least the type of the first battery chemistryand the second battery chemistry such that the second energy storagedevice can receive the power from the first energy storage device toincrease a power capacity of the second energy storage device for atleast one of powering or charging the load.

This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any waylimiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of thedevices or processes described herein will become apparent in thedetailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an energy storage and power supplydevice, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the energy storage and power supply device ofFIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the energy storage and power supplydevice of FIG. 1 with a lid thereof selectively reconfigured in an openorientation, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the energy storage and power supplydevice of FIG. 3 having a linking module coupled thereto, according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the energy storage and power supplydevice of FIG. 1 coupled to a plurality of external energy sources,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an external energy source of theplurality of external energy sources of FIG. 5, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the linking module of FIG. 4, accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an energy system including the energystorage and power supply device, the linking module, and the externalenergy source, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an energy system including the energystorage and power supply device, the linking module, and the externalenergy source, according to another exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentdisclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in thedescription or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understoodthat the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a linking device is configured tofacilitate electrically coupling an energy storage and power supplydevice including an energy storage unit having a first energy storagechemistry (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, lithium iron phosphatebatteries, etc.) with an external energy source having a second,different energy storage chemistry (e.g., lead-acid batteries, lithiumiron phosphate batteries, a rechargeable fuel cell system, etc.). Insome embodiments, the linking device is configured to facilitateelectrically coupling a plurality of external energy sources to theenergy storage and power supply device. The plurality of external energysources may each have the same energy storage chemistry (i.e., thesecond energy storage chemistry) or at least one of the plurality ofexternal energy sources may have third energy storage chemistry.

Such a linking device advantageously facilitates repurposing orretrofitting an energy storage and power supply device that wouldotherwise not be suitable for various applications including home powerbackup. By way of example, the energy storage and power supply devicemay include lithium-ion batteries and/or lithium iron phosphatebatteries that are relatively light weight such that the energy storageand power supply device is highly portable. However, to provide suitablebattery capacity for a home power backup application may requirenumerous energy storage and power supply devices, which given thebattery chemistries thereof, can be rather expensive. Accordingly, thelinking device facilitates linking one or more relatively cheaper and/orheavier external power sources (e.g., lead acid batteries, arechargeable fuel cell, etc.) to the energy storage and power supplydevice to provide the extra power capacity needed to adequately providefor home power backup. The linking device therefore facilitatesselectively coupling and decoupling the energy storage and power supplydevice to/from the one or more relatively cheaper and/or heavierexternal power sources when desired (e.g., to facilitate taking theenergy storage and power supply device camping, tailgating, etc.), whilethe cheaper and/or heavier external power sources can remain in thedesignated location (e.g., in a basement of a residence where theconnection to the power grid of the residence is located, etc.).

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, an energystorage and power supply device (e.g., a solar generator, a hybridcombustion and solar generator, etc.), shown as energy storage and powersupply device 10, is configured to receive and store electrical powerfrom a power source for future use (e.g., in a remote location whereelectricity is not readily available, during a power outage to power aresidence, etc.). The power source may include a solar panel system, acombustion generator (e.g., a gasoline-fueled generator, etc.), a powersupply (e.g., a 120 Volt (“V”) AC wall charger, a 220V AC wall charger,a 240V AC wall charger, etc.), a 12V car adapter, and/or an externalenergy storage source (e.g., an energy tank, etc.). The storedelectrical power may be provided to a load device (e.g., a smartphone, atablet, an E-reader, a computer, a laptop, a smartwatch, a portable andrechargeable battery pack, appliances, a refrigerator, lights, displaymonitors, televisions, an electrical grid of a residence or building,etc.) to at least one of charge and power the load device.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the energy storage and power supply device 10includes a housing, shown as housing 20, and a body, shown as top 50. Inone embodiment, the top 50 is integrally formed with the housing 20(e.g., a unitary structure, extends therefrom, etc.). In anotherembodiment, the top 50 is detachably coupled to the housing 20 (e.g.,with fasteners, etc.). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 20includes a first face, shown as front wall 22, an opposing second face,shown as rear wall 24, a first sidewall, shown as right sidewall 26, andan opposing second sidewall, shown as left sidewall 28. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the energy storage and power supply device 10 includes anenergy storage unit, shown as battery 30. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the front wall 22, the rear wall 24, the right sidewall 26,and the left sidewall 28 cooperatively define an internal cavity of theenergy storage and power supply device 10 that receives the battery 30.The battery 30 may include one or more lithium-ion cells. According toan exemplary embodiment, the battery 30 includes a 10.8V_(nominal)lithium-ion battery. In some embodiments, the battery 30 includes aplurality of batteries (e.g., two or more batteries connected in series,etc.). In some embodiments, the battery 30 additionally or alternativelyincludes another type of battery (e.g., a lead-acid battery, a lithiumiron phosphate battery, etc.) or another energy storage unit (e.g., oneor more capacitors, a rechargeable fuel cell, etc.). In someembodiments, the battery 30 is configured to operate at differentvoltages (e.g., 24V_(nominal), 36V_(nominal), 48V_(nominal), etc.) toimprove the efficiency of circuitry and wiring.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the energy storage and power supply device 10includes an interface, shown as user interface 40, disposed along thefront wall 22. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the userinterface 40 is disposed on and/or along the rear wall 24, the rightsidewall 26, the left sidewall 28, and/or the top 50. As shown in FIG.2, the user interface 40 includes a first portion, shown as first panel42, a second portion, shown as second panel 44, and a third portion,shown as third panel 46. As shown in FIG. 2, the first panel 42 includesa first plurality of interfaces, the second panel 44 includes a secondplurality of interfaces, and the third panel 46 includes a thirdplurality of interfaces, shown as input/output (“I/O”) ports 48. The I/Oports 48 are electrically coupled to the battery 30, according to anexemplary embodiment. According to an exemplary embodiment, (i) at leasta portion of the I/O ports 48 are configured to receive electricalenergy from a power source (e.g., a solar panel system, a combustiongenerator, a power supply, a 12V car adapter, etc.) for storage by thebattery 30, (ii) at least a portion of the I/O ports 48 are configuredto provide the stored electrical energy within the battery 30 to a loaddevice (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, an E-reader, a computer, a laptop,a smartwatch, a portable and rechargeable battery pack, appliances, arefrigerator, lights, display monitors, televisions, a power grid of aresidence or building, etc.) with a power and/or charging cableconnected therebetween, and/or (iii) at least a portion of the I/O ports48 are configured to receive and provide electrical energy (i.e, operateas dual functioning ports).

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the I/O ports 48of the first panel 42, the second panel 44, and the third panel 46include alternating current (“AC”) inverter ports (e.g., having a 110Voutlet port, etc.), direct current (“DC”) inputs and/or outputs, USBports, a 6 millimeter (“mm”) port, a 12V car port, a 12V powerpole port(e.g., an Anderson Powerpole, etc.), a charging port (e.g., a solarpanel charging port, a combustion generator charging port, a powersupply charging port, a powerpole charging port, etc.), and/or achaining port (e.g., to electrically couple two or more of the energystorage and power supply devices 10 in series, a powerpole chainingport, etc.). In some embodiments, the I/O ports 48 include a linkingport (e.g., similar to the linking carriage of the present disclosure,etc.) configured to facilitate selectively coupling one or more externalpower sources to the energy storage and power supply device 10 that havea disparate energy storage chemistry relative to the battery 30 of theenergy storage and power supply device 10. As shown in FIG. 2, thesecond panel 44 includes a display, shown as display 49. The display 49may provide various information regarding the state and/or operation ofthe energy storage and power supply device 10 and/or the battery 30(e.g., a battery level, a current input power, a current input voltage,a current input current, a current output power, a current outputvoltage, a current output current, an estimated time until a full chargeof the battery 30 is reached, an estimated time until full and/orpermitted depletion of the battery 30 is reached, a battery temperature,an insignia, a notification, a warning, etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the top 50 defines a recess, shown as cavity 60.The energy storage and power supply device 10 includes a cover, shown aslid 90. The lid 90 is positioned to facilitate selectively accessing andenclosing the cavity 60, according to an exemplary embodiment. Anoperator of the energy storage and power supply device 10 may therebyengage a front portion, shown as front lip 92, of the lid 90 toselectively reposition the lid 90 between a first orientation (e.g., aclosed orientation shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, etc.) and a secondorientation (e.g., an open orientation shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, etc.) toselectively access the cavity 60.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cavity 60 includes one or more ports,shown as I/O ports 86. The I/O ports 86 are electrically coupled to thebattery 30, according to an exemplary embodiment. The I/O ports 86 mayinclude a port similar to and/or different from one of the I/O ports 48of the user interface 40 (e.g., a specialty connector, a high voltage DCoutput, a fast charging input, etc.). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, thecavity 60 defines a first slot, shown as left slot 70, and a secondslot, shown as right slot 72. As shown in FIG. 3, the left slot 70 isconfigured to selectively (e.g., removably, detachably, interchangeably,etc.) receive a first module, shown as first carriage 100, and the rightslot 72 is configured to selectively receive a second module, shown assecond carriage 120. According to an exemplary embodiment, the firstcarriage 100 and/or the second carriage 120 are interchangeable (e.g.,with different types of modules, with each other, are modular adapters,etc.). In other embodiments, the first carriage 100 and/or the secondcarriage 120 are fixed or integrally formed within the cavity 60.

In some embodiments, the first carriage 100 and/or the second carriage120 are selectively replaceable with a different type of module. Thedifferent types of modules may include a chaining carriage, an interfaceand communication carriage, a generator carriage, a high capacity outputcarriage, a fast charging or high capacity input carriage, and/or alinking carriage, among other alternatives. The various carriages may beconfigured to electrically couple the energy storage and power supplydevice 10 and/or the battery 30 using the I/O ports 86 to a power source(e.g., a power supply, a combustion generator, a solar panel system, abattery array, an external power source having a disparate energystorage chemistry, etc.) and/or a load device (e.g., a smartphone, atablet, an E-reader, a computer, a laptop, a smartwatch, a portable andrechargeable battery pack, appliances, a refrigerator, lights, displaymonitors, televisions, a power grid of a residence, etc.). In otherembodiments, the modules hold and/or support a load device facilitatinguse thereof with the energy storage and power supply device 10.

As shown in FIG. 4, a linking device or module, shown as link carriage200, is disposed within the left slot 70 of the cavity 60 of the energystorage and power supply device 10. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the link carriage 200 is selectively (e.g., removably,detachably, interchangeably etc.) received by the left slot 70. In otherembodiments, the link carriage 200 is selectively received by the rightslot 72. In an alternative embodiment, the link carriage 200 isintegrally formed within the cavity 60 and/or to another portion of theenergy storage and power supply device 10. According to the exemplaryembodiment, the link carriage 200 is configured to connect to thebattery 30 of the energy storage and power supply device 10 via the I/Oports 86 within the cavity 60.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the link carriage 200 isconfigured to facilitate electrically coupling the energy storage andpower supply device 10 to one or more external energy storage sourceshaving a disparate type of energy storage (e.g., a battery having adisparate battery chemistry, etc.). As shown in FIG. 5, the linkcarriage 200 is configured to facilitate coupling the energy storage andpower supply device 10 to one or more first external energy storagesources (e.g., reserve tanks, etc.), shown as first energy tanks 300,and/or one or more second external energy storage sources, shown assecond energy tanks 350. The first energy tanks 300 and/or the secondenergy tanks 350 may be used to charge and/or increase the storagecapacity of the battery 30 of the energy storage and power supply device10. Such an arrangement may allow for the expandability of energystorage, as greater storage capacity can be achieved by adding externalenergy storage sources, whilst maintaining the portability of the energystorage and power supply device 10 (e.g., by decoupling the energystorage and power supply device 10 therefrom, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first energy tanks 300 have afirst energy storage chemistry and the second energy tanks 350 have asecond energy storage chemistry, different than the first energy storagechemistry. At least one of the first energy storage chemistry and thesecond energy storage chemistry is different than the energy storagechemistry of the battery 30 of the energy storage and power supplydevice 10, according to an exemplary embodiment. By way of example, thebattery 30 of the energy storage and power supply device 10 may have alithium ion battery chemistry and the first energy tanks 300 and/or thesecond energy tanks 350 may be or include a lead-acid battery, a lithiumphosphate battery, a fuel cell, and/or another type of energy storagedevice and/or chemistry. According to an exemplary embodiment, the linkcarriage 200 facilitates providing an energy system (e.g., thecombination of the energy storage and power supply device 10, the firstenergy tanks 300, the second energy tanks 350, etc.) having a hybridenergy storage array that captures the advantageous characteristics ofdisparate battery chemistries in one assembly, mitigating the negativecharacteristics of each when standing alone (e.g., a hybridized energystorage system that combines the characteristics of multiple individualsystems to capture the best features of each, etc.).

In some embodiments, the first energy tanks 300 and/or the second energytanks 350 are dependent or passive devices that rely on the energystorage and power supply device 10 to receive power from a power sourceand to deliver power to a load. In other embodiments, the first energytanks 300 and/or the second energy tanks 350 are capable of beingindependent or self-sufficient. By way of example, the first energytanks 300 and/or the second energy tanks 350 may be implemented as partof a permanent installation that remains operational even when theenergy storage and power supply device 10 is decoupled therefrom.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the first energytank 300 (and similarly the second energy tank 350) includes one or morefirst interfaces, shown as inputs 310, one or more second interfaces,shown as outputs 320, an energy storage unit, shown as energy storage330, and a display, shown as display 340. The display 340 may providevarious information regarding the state and/or operation of the firstenergy tank 300 and/or the energy storage 330 (e.g., a battery level, acurrent input power, a current input voltage, a current input current, acurrent output power, a current output voltage, a current outputcurrent, an estimated time until a full charge of the energy storage 330is reached, an estimated time until full and/or permitted depletion ofthe energy storage 330 is reached, a battery temperature, an insignia, anotification, a warning, etc.). In some embodiments, the first energytank 300 does not include the display 340.

As shown in FIG. 6, the inputs 310 and the outputs 320 are electricallycoupled to the energy storage 330. According to an exemplary embodiment,the inputs 310 are configured to receive electrical energy from a powersource (e.g., a solar panel system, a combustion generator, a powersupply, a 12V car adapter, a linked battery, a linked supply, the energystorage and power supply device 10, etc.) for storage by the energystorage 330. According to an exemplary embodiment, the outputs 320 areconfigured to provide the stored energy within the energy storage 330 toa load device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, an E-reader, a computer, alaptop, a smartwatch, a portable and rechargeable battery pack,appliances, a refrigerator, lights, display monitors, televisions, alinked energy tank, etc.) and/or the energy storage and power supplydevice 10 (e.g., through the link carriage 200, etc.). The inputs 310and/or the outputs 320 of the first energy tank 300 may include ACinverter ports, DC inputs and/or outputs, USB ports, a 6 mm port, a 12Vcar port, a charging port (e.g., a solar panel charging port, acombustion generator charging port, a power supply charging port, a linkcarriage charging port, etc.), and/or a chaining port (e.g., toelectrically couple two or more of the first energy tanks 300 in series,etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the energy storage 330 is orincludes a 12V lead-acid battery. In other embodiments, the energystorage 330 operates at a different voltage (e.g., 24V, 36V, 48V, etc.).In some embodiments, the energy storage 330 includes a plurality ofbatteries (e.g., two or more batteries connected in series, an array,etc.). In some embodiments, the energy storage 330 additionally oralternatively includes another type of battery (e.g., a lithium ironphosphate battery, a lithium ion battery, etc.) or another energystorage unit (e.g., one or more capacitors, a rechargeable fuel cell,etc.). It should be noted that the description herein regarding thefirst energy tanks 300 may similarly apply to the second energy tanks350.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the link carriage 200 includes a pair ofinterfaces, shown as first interface 210 and second interface 220, apair of regulators, shown as first regulator 212 and second regulator222, a display, shown as display 230, a communications interface, shownas communications interface 240, and a control system, shown as linkcontroller 250. According to an exemplary embodiment, the firstinterface 210 is configured to electrically couple to the battery 30 ofthe energy storage and power supply device 10 (e.g., by way of the I/Oports 86, etc.). The second interface 220 is configured to electricallycouple to one or more of the first energy tanks 300 and/or one or moreof the second energy tanks 350. In some embodiments, the first interface210 and/or the second interface 220 includes one or more sensors (e.g.,a voltage sensor, a current sensor, etc.) configured to measureelectrical characteristics (e.g., voltage, current, etc.) regardingpower provided thereto or thereby (e.g., by the energy storage and powersupply device 10, the first energy tank(s) 300, the second energytank(s) 350, etc.). By way of example, the sensor may measure thenominal voltage of a connected battery using a specialized circuit(e.g., digital multi-meter, operational amplifier, voltmeter, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 7, the first regulator 212 is electrically coupled tothe first interface 210, the second regulator 222 is electricallycoupled to the second interface 220, and the first regulator 212 and thesecond regulator 222 are electrically coupled. In another embodiment,the first regulator 212 and the second regulator 222 are not coupled,but rather, (i) the first regulator 212 is connected between the firstinterface 210 and the second interface 220 independent of the secondregulator 222 and (ii) the second regulator 222 is connected between thefirst interface 210 and the second interface 220 independent of thefirst regulator 212. According to an exemplary embodiment, the firstregulator 212 is configured to facilitate regulating characteristics(e.g., current, voltage, etc.) of a first power flow received fromand/or provided to the energy storage and power supply device 10.According to an exemplary embodiment, the second regulator 222 isconfigured to facilitate regulating characteristics (e.g., current,voltage, etc.) of a second power flow received from and/or provided tothe first energy tanks 300 and/or the second energy tanks 350. In oneembodiment, each of the first regulator 212 and the second regulator 222is or includes DC-DC regulated circuits.

As shown in FIG. 4, the display 230 includes an LED indicator array. Inother embodiments, the display 230 additionally or alternativelyincludes a display screen. The display 230 may provide variousinformation regarding the state and/or operation of the energy storageand power supply device 10, the first energy tanks 300, and/or thesecond energy tanks 350 (e.g., a battery level or state of charge, acurrent input power, a current input voltage, a current input current, acurrent output power, a current output voltage, a current outputcurrent, an estimated time until a full charge is reached, an estimatedtime until full and/or permitted depletion is reached, a batterytemperature, an insignia, a notification, a warning, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the communications interface 240is configured to communicate with the energy storage and power supplydevice 10 to send data therebetween (e.g., by way of the I/O ports 86, awireless transceiver, etc.). In some embodiments, the communicationsinterface 240 is configured to additionally or alternatively communicatewith the first energy tanks 300 and/or the second energy tanks 350. Suchcommunications may include power regulation parameters such as powerprofiles, scheduling commands, minimum and maximum charge levels, activeload management such as charge/discharge prioritization, and/oroperational data. In some embodiments, the communications interface 240is configured to additionally or alternatively communicate with a userdevice (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, router, computer, smartwatch, etc.)to facilitate providing such information to the user device (e.g.,rather than directly on the unit, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the link controller 250 isconfigured to selectively engage, selectively disengage, control, and/orotherwise communicate with components of the link carriage 200, theenergy storage and power supply device 10, the first energy tanks 300,and/or the second energy tanks 350. As shown in FIG. 7, the linkcontroller 250 is coupled to the first interface 210, the firstregulator 212, the second interface 220, the second regulator 222, thedisplay 230, and the communications interface 240. In other embodiments,the link controller 250 is coupled to more or fewer components. By wayof example, the link controller 250 may send and receive signals withthe first interface 210, the first regulator 212, the second interface220, the second regulator 222, the display 230, and/or thecommunications interface 240. The link controller 250 may be configuredselectively control the first regulator 212 and/or the second regulator222 to “force” the energy storage and power supply device 10, the firstenergy tanks 300, and/or the second energy tanks 350 to be compatible,despite the disparate energy storage chemistries thereof (e.g., bymanipulating the power profiles thereof, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 7, the link controller 250 includes a processor 252 anda memory 254 (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash Memory, hard disk storage, etc.).The processor 252 may be implemented as a general-purpose processor, anapplication specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), one or more fieldprogrammable gate arrays (“FPGAs”), a digital signal processor (“DSP”),a group of processing components, or other suitable electronicprocessing components. The memory 254 may include multiple memorydevices. The memory 254 may store data and/or computer code forfacilitating the various processes described herein. Thus, the memory254 may be communicably connected to the processor 252 and providecomputer code or instructions to the processor 252 for executing theprocesses described in regard to the link controller 250 herein.Moreover, the memory 254 may be or include tangible, non-transientvolatile memory or non-volatile memory. Accordingly, the memory 254 mayinclude database components, object code components, script components,or any other type of information structure for supporting the variousactivities and information structures described herein.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the link controller 250 isconfigured to control the flow of power into and/or out of the energystorage and power supply device 10, the first energy tanks 300, and/orthe second energy tanks 350 through the link carriage 200. In oneembodiment, the link controller 250 is configured to prioritize chargeand discharge to/from the energy storage and power supply device 10, thefirst energy tanks 300, and/or the second energy tanks 350 such that theenergy storage and power supply device 10 is charged first anddischarged first. In another embodiment, the link controller 250 isconfigured to prioritize charge and discharge to/from the energy storageand power supply device 10, the first energy tanks 300, and/or thesecond energy tanks 350 such that the first energy tanks 300 and/or thesecond energy tanks 350 are charged first and discharged first. In stillanother embodiment, the link controller 250 is configured to prioritizecharge and discharge to/from the energy storage and power supply device10, the first energy tanks 300, and/or the second energy tanks 350 suchthat (i) the energy storage and power supply device 10 is charged firstand (ii) the first energy tanks 300 and/or the second energy tanks 350are discharged first. In yet another embodiment, the link controller 250is configured to prioritize charge and discharge to/from the energystorage and power supply device 10, the first energy tanks 300, and/orthe second energy tanks 350 such that (i) the first energy tanks 300and/or the second energy tanks 350 are charged first and (ii) the energystorage and power supply device 10 is discharged first. In still yetanother embodiment, the link controller 250 is configured to prioritizecharge and discharge to/from the energy storage and power supply device10, the first energy tanks 300, and/or the second energy tanks 350 suchthat the energy storage and power supply device 10, the first energytanks 300, and/or the second energy tanks 350 are simultaneously chargedand discharged. In some embodiments, the battery 30 of the energystorage and power supply device 10 is altogether bypassed in chargeand/or discharge (e.g., the energy storage and power supply device 10acts as a conduit for power transfer, etc.). In some embodiments, whenthe input power to the energy storage and power supply device 10 exceedsthe output power demand, the link controller 250 is configured to chargethe battery 30 of the energy storage and power supply device 10 and thefirst energy tanks 300, and/or the second energy tanks 350 with theexcess power (e.g., with priority given to the battery 30, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the link controller 250 isconfigured to control the first regulator 212 and/or the secondregulator 222 to control the power profile (e.g., voltage, current,etc.) of power flowing in both directions through the link carriage 200:(i) from the energy storage and power supply device 10 to the energytanks to charge the energy tanks (e.g., up to 10 amps, etc.) and (ii)from the energy tanks to the energy storage and power supply device 10to charge the battery 30 and/or supply power to a load (e.g., up to 100amps, etc.). Various factors may come into consideration whencontrolling the first regulator 212 and/or the second regulator 222including, but not limited to, state of charge, battery temperature,ambient temperature, type of energy storage chemistry, current powerdemand by the load, permissible charging rates, and/or permissibledischarging rates.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the link controller 250 isconfigured to detect the type of energy storage chemistry (e.g., alead-acid battery chemistry, a lithium ion battery chemistry, a lithiumiron phosphate battery chemistry, a fuel cell chemistry, etc.) and/orthe voltage of (i) the battery 30 of the energy storage and power supplydevice 10 coupled to the first interface 210 of the link carriage 200and/or (ii) the first energy tanks 300 and/or the second energy tanks350 coupled to the second interface 220 of the link carriage 200. By wayof example, the link controller 250 may be configured to detect the typeof energy storage chemistry by matching the electrical characteristicsof power received by the first interface 210 and/or the second interface220 to a list of known characteristics (e.g., nominal battery operatingvoltage, stored in the memory 254, etc.). For example, a user mayconnect a 12V lead-acid battery as the external energy storage source tothe link carriage 200 through the second interface 220. The linkcontroller 250 may be configured to detect that the 12V lead-acid hasbeen coupled to the link carriage 200 and determine the nominal voltageof the lead-acid battery (e.g., based on sensor readings, etc.). Thelink controller 250 may then be configured to match the nominal voltageto that of a lead-acid battery (e.g., using a look-up table, etc.) toidentify the type of the energy storage chemistry. According to anexemplary embodiment, the link controller 250 is configured to implementan appropriate power profile based on the detected type of energystorage chemistry (e.g., relative to that battery 30 of the energystorage and power supply device 10, etc.).

In some embodiments, the link controller 250 is configured to activelymanage the power supplied by the energy storage and power supply device10 and/or the one or more external energy storage sources to a load inorder to optimize for battery efficiency and life. By way of example, a12V load could be powered directly from the one or more external energystorage sources with no need for regulation. Alternatively, a high ACload could be powered from the energy storage and power supply device 10configured with a 48V lithium battery, which is more efficient becauseof the higher voltage thereof and also its capability to handle highC-rating discharges with a low Peukert's constant.

In some embodiments, the link controller 250 is configured to scheduleusage of the energy storage and power supply device 10 and the one ormore external energy storage sources to maximize cost savings on thegrid (e.g., charge when electricity costs are low, discharge whenelectricity costs are high, etc.). In some embodiments, the linkcontroller 250 is configured to automatically detect the chemistry ofthe one or more connected external energy storage sources and apply apower profile that intelligently uses chemistries that can handle highcycle counts. In other embodiments, the link controller 250 isconfigured to set maximum and minimum charge levels of the externalenergy storage sources based on chemistry to maximize cycle life. Inother embodiments, the link controller 250 is configured to implementother intelligent algorithms.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a first energysystem, shown as energy system 400, includes the link carriage 200electrically coupling the energy storage and power supply device 10 toone or more of the first energy tanks 300 and, optionally, one or moreof the second energy tanks 350. In some embodiments, the link carriage200 electrically couples a single first energy tank 300 to the energystorage and power supply device 10. In some embodiments, the linkcarriage 200 electrically couples a plurality of the first energy tanks300 to the energy storage and power supply device 10 (e.g., a chain offirst energy tanks 300, etc.). In some embodiments, the link carriage200 electrically couples a single second energy tank 350 to the energystorage and power supply device 10. In some embodiments, the linkcarriage 200 electrically couples a plurality of the second energy tanks350 to the energy storage and power supply device 10.

As shown in FIG. 8, an input power source, shown as input power source110, is configured to couple to the energy storage and power supplydevice 10 (e.g., through the I/O ports 48, etc.). The input power source110 is configured to provide power to the energy storage and powersupply device 10 to at least one of charge (i) the battery 30 of theenergy storage and power supply device 10, (ii) charge the energystorage 330 of the first energy tanks 300, and (iii) charge the energystorage of the second energy tanks 350, according to an exemplaryembodiment. The input power source 110 may be or include a solar panelsystem, a combustion generator, a mains power connection, a vehiclealternator, and/or another suitable power source. As shown in FIG. 8,the energy storage and power supply device 10 is coupled to a loadthrough a load interface, shown as home integration transfer switch 140.According to an exemplary embodiment, the home integration transferswitch 140 couples the energy system 400 to the power grid of a home,residence, or other building to operate as a power backup system. Inother embodiments, the energy system 400 is implemented in anon-building application. For example, the energy system 400 may be usedfor an outdoor event that has an electrical demand greater than what theenergy storage and power supply device 10 may be capable of providingindependently.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a second energysystem, shown as energy system 500, includes all of the components ofthe energy system 400, but further includes an interface, shown asinterface 370, that allows one or more energy tanks (e.g., one or moreof the first energy tanks 300, one or more of the second energy tanks350, etc.) to connect to (i) a second load interface, shown as homeintegration transfer switch 380, and (ii) a second input power source,shown as input power source 390. The interface 370 may be integratedinto each respective energy tank or an external unit. The input powersource 390 may be or include a solar panel system, a combustiongenerator, a mains power connection, and/or another suitable powersource. According to an exemplary embodiment, the interface 370 enablesthe first energy tanks 300 and/or the second energy tanks 350 to operateas stand-alone units, independent of the energy storage and power supplydevice 10. The first energy tanks 300 and/or the second energy tanks 350may therefore be able to receive and supply power to accommodate a loaddemand if and when the energy storage and power supply device 10 isdecoupled from the energy system 500.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited inthe appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, asused herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicatethat such embodiments are possible examples, representations, orillustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intendedto connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary orsuperlative examples).

The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g.,removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled toeach other using a separate intervening member and any additionalintermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two memberscoupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If“coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term(e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” providedabove is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term(e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without anyseparate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition thanthe generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may bemechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of variouselements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation ofvarious elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

The hardware and data processing components used to implement thevarious processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks,modules and circuits described in connection with the embodimentsdisclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purposesingle- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate ortransistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combinationthereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A generalpurpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventionalprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processoralso may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as acombination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, particularprocesses and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific toa given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device)may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard diskstorage) for storing data and/or computer code for completing orfacilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in thepresent disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory ornon-volatile memory, and may include database components, object codecomponents, script components, or any other type of informationstructure for supporting the various activities and informationstructures described in the present disclosure. According to anexemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to theprocessor via a processing circuit and includes computer code forexecuting (e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) the one ormore processes described herein.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and programproducts on any machine-readable media for accomplishing variousoperations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implementedusing existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computerprocessor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or anotherpurpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of thepresent disclosure include program products comprising machine-readablemedia for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or datastructures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example,such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, orother optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or storedesired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions ordata structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose orspecial purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinationsof the above are also included within the scope of machine-readablemedia. Machine-executable instructions include, for example,instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform acertain function or group of functions.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order ofmethod steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depictedand described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or moresteps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unlessspecified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, onthe software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. Allsuch variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise,software implementations of the described methods could be accomplishedwith standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and otherlogic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps,comparison steps, and decision steps.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theenergy storage and power supply device 10, the link carriage 200, thefirst energy tank(s) 300, the second energy tank(s) 350, the energysystem 400, the energy system 500, and the components thereof as shownin the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally,any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilizedwith any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example ofan element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized inanother embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciatedthat other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated orutilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An energy system comprising: a first energystorage device having a first energy storage chemistry, the first energystorage device including: a housing defining a recess; a first interfacedisposed within the recess; and a load interface configured tofacilitate coupling the first energy storage device to a load; and alink device separate from the first energy storage device, the linkdevice configured to: facilitate electrically coupling the first energystorage device to a second energy storage device by selectively linkingthe first interface with a second interface of the second energy storagedevice, wherein the second energy storage device has a second energystorage chemistry different than the first energy storage chemistry;receive input power from the second energy storage device; and regulatea power profile of the input power received from the second energystorage device such that the first energy storage device can selectivelydraw the input power from the second energy storage device to increase apower capacity thereof; wherein the first energy storage device isconfigured to: receive the input power from the second energy storagedevice having the second energy storage chemistry through the linkdevice; and provide output power to the load via the load interfaceusing the input power received from the second energy storage devicehaving the second energy storage chemistry.
 2. The energy system ofclaim 1, wherein the link device includes: a third interface configuredto selectively couple to the first interface of the first energy storagedevice; and a fourth interface configured to selectively couple to thesecond interface of the second energy storage device.
 3. The energysystem of claim 2, wherein the link device is selectively insertableinto and removable from a compartment defined by the housing of thefirst energy storage device.
 4. The energy system of claim 1, whereinthe power profile is a first power profile and the input power is firstpower, wherein the link device is configured to regulate a second powerprofile of second power received from the first energy storage devicesuch that the first energy storage device can selectively charge thesecond energy storage device.
 5. The energy system of claim 1, whereinthe first energy storage chemistry is a lithium-ion battery chemistryand the second energy storage chemistry includes at least one of alead-acid battery chemistry, a lithium iron phosphate battery chemistry,or a fuel cell chemistry, or wherein the first energy storage chemistryis a lithium iron phosphate battery chemistry and the second energystorage chemistry includes at least one of a lead-acid battery chemistryor a fuel cell chemistry.
 6. The energy system of claim 1, wherein thelink device is configured to prioritize charging and discharging of thefirst energy storage device and the second energy storage device suchthat the first energy storage device is charged first and dischargedfirst.
 7. The energy system of claim 1, wherein the link device isconfigured to prioritize charging and discharging of the first energystorage device and the second energy storage device such that the secondenergy storage device is charged first and discharged first.
 8. Theenergy system of claim 1, wherein the link device is configured toprioritize charging and discharging of the first energy storage deviceand the second energy storage device such that the first energy storagedevice is charged first and the second energy storage device isdischarged first.
 9. The energy system of claim 1, wherein the linkdevice is configured to prioritize charging and discharging of the firstenergy storage device and the second energy storage device such that thesecond energy storage device is charged first and the first energystorage device is discharged first.
 10. The energy system of claim 1,wherein the link device is configured to prioritize charging anddischarging of the first energy storage device and the second energystorage device such that the first energy storage device and the secondenergy storage device are simultaneously charged and discharged.
 11. Theenergy system of claim 1, wherein the first energy storage devicefunctions as a conduit for power transfer from the second energy storagedevice to the load such that the input power received by the firstenergy storage device from the second energy storage device through thelink device is not stored by the first energy storage device.
 12. Theenergy system of claim 1, wherein the input power received by the firstenergy storage device from the second energy storage device through thelink device is stored by the first energy storage device and thensubsequently provided by the first energy storage device to the load.13. The energy system of claim 1, wherein the first energy storagedevice includes a cover configured to facilitate selectively enclosingthe recess.
 14. The energy system of claim 1, further comprising: thesecond energy storage device; and a third energy storage device having athird energy storage chemistry that (i) is different than the firstenergy storage chemistry and (ii) is the same or different than thesecond energy storage chemistry; wherein the link device is configuredto facilitate coupling the third energy storage device to the firstenergy storage device.
 15. The energy system of claim 1, wherein thelink device is configured to: determine a type of the first energystorage chemistry and the second energy storage chemistry; and regulatethe power profile based on at least the type of the first energy storagechemistry and the second energy storage chemistry.